Find out more at www.cornwall.gov.uk/phonesaway
As parents, life can feel like a constant juggling act. Between replying to messages, checking appointments, answering work emails and capturing precious family moments, our phones have become part of everyday life.
That’s why we are proud to support the Best Start in Life and the Cornwall Council’s “Phones Away… Talk and Play!” campaign—a positive initiative encouraging families to make the most of the everyday moments they already share with their children.
This isn’t about giving up technology or striving for perfection. It’s about recognising that the simplest interactions—chatting over breakfast, singing during bath time or playing peekaboo—can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.
At Daisy Fays, we see these moments every day, and we know just how powerful they can be.
The Early Years Really Do Shape the Future
The first five years of a child’s life are an incredible period of growth. During this time, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other stage of life, forming millions of neural connections every second in infancy. These connections are built and strengthened through everyday experiences, particularly through responsive interactions with the people who care for them.
Children don’t learn language simply by hearing words in the background. They learn through conversations, facial expressions, eye contact, laughter, gestures and shared experiences.
Every smile, every question, every nursery rhyme and every game of “What’s that?” helps build the foundations for communication, emotional wellbeing and learning.
Why Looking Up Matters
Imagine a toddler excitedly pointing at an aeroplane flying overhead.
They look at their parent with wide eyes, hoping to share the moment.
If the parent notices, smiles and says, “Yes! That’s an aeroplane flying high in the sky!”, something wonderful happens.
The child learns:
- New vocabulary.
- That their thoughts and discoveries matter.
- How conversations work.
- That the world is exciting to explore together.
If that moment is missed because attention is elsewhere, the opportunity simply passes.
Of course, every parent misses moments—everyone does. What matters isn’t being perfect. It’s creating as many opportunities for connection as possible.
Children Learn Through Relationships
One of the biggest misconceptions about early learning is that children need expensive toys, educational apps or structured lessons.
In reality, the greatest learning tool is you.
Research consistently shows that warm, responsive relationships are one of the strongest predictors of healthy child development.
Children learn through:
- Talking together.
- Playing imaginatively.
- Reading books.
- Singing songs.
- Sharing meals.
- Exploring outdoors.
- Asking endless “Why?” questions.
These interactions help develop:
- Language and communication skills.
- Emotional regulation.
- Confidence.
- Curiosity.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Social skills.
The best part? They don’t require any special equipment.
Screens Aren’t the Enemy
Technology has become an important part of modern family life. Phones help us stay connected, work remotely, organise our lives and capture memories.
The Phones Away… Talk and Play! campaign isn’t asking families to eliminate screens altogether.
Instead, it encourages us to notice those everyday moments when putting the phone down—even for ten minutes—can create meaningful opportunities to connect.
It’s a gentle reminder that our attention is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.
Everyday Moments Are Learning Moments
You don’t need to carve out hours of extra playtime to support your child’s development.
Some of the richest learning happens during ordinary routines.
At mealtimes
Talk about colours, shapes, tastes and textures.
“Is your carrot crunchy?”
“Can you count how many peas are on your plate?”
Walking to nursery
Point out birds, buses, flowers or clouds.
Ask questions like:
“What can you hear?”
“Which colour door do you like best?”
Bath time
Sing songs, pour water between containers or count bubbles together.
Simple play builds language, maths and motor skills all at once.
Story time
Reading together introduces new words, develops imagination and creates calm, comforting routines that children remember for years.
You don’t even have to finish the whole book—talking about the pictures is just as valuable.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity
Many parents worry they aren’t spending enough time with their children.
The good news is that child development isn’t measured by hours on a clock.
Research suggests that short, meaningful interactions throughout the day can have a significant positive impact.
Five minutes of focused attention often means more than thirty minutes spent together while everyone is distracted.
Small moments really do make a big difference.
How We Support This at Daisy Fays
At Daisy Fays, meaningful interactions are at the heart of everything we do.
Our practitioners don’t simply supervise children—they join in their play, listen to their ideas, ask open-ended questions and encourage conversations throughout the day.
Whether we’re reading stories, exploring our outdoor environments, sharing lunch or investigating a muddy puddle, every interaction is an opportunity for learning.
We believe children thrive when they feel heard, valued and connected.
That’s why we’re proud to support Cornwall Council’s Phones Away… Talk and Play! campaign and encourage families to embrace these moments at home too.
Together, we can help children develop the confidence, communication skills and emotional security that give them the very best start in life.
Five Simple Ways to Join the Campaign Today
You don’t need to make big changes—just start small.
- Put your phone away during one family meal each day.
- Read one story together before bedtime.
- Narrate everyday activities while getting dressed or cooking.
- Spend ten minutes playing without any distractions.
- Follow your child’s lead—listen, respond and enjoy the conversation.
Every Conversation Builds a Future
Childhood is full of tiny moments that can easily pass by—but those moments are often where the greatest learning happens.
Every chat, every giggle, every story and every shared discovery helps build your child’s confidence, communication and sense of belonging.
By putting our phones away, even for a little while, we’re making space for something far more valuable: connection.
And sometimes, those few uninterrupted minutes can make all the difference.
At Daisy Fays, we’re proud to support Cornwall Council’s Phones Away… Talk and Play! campaign because every child deserves the very best start in life—and every conversation is a step towards that future.